In my mind, the database lessens the element of mystery which is an important part of the letterboxing experience. In one of my favorite finds I returned four times, never sure that anyone else had ever found the box (it was a sweet find!). Of course one always can choose not to view the database if you want to avoid the spoilers (which is more of a problem on the talk list anyway).

A problem I do have with the database is the idea of "finders" listing "placer's" boxes so that the finders can then comment on them. Again this is a problem with the talk list. I've seen comments from finders on the list like "the clues aren't good", "the stamp is [nothing to be thrilled about]"...this kind of commenting is better done directly to the placer of a box and not to the whole letterboxing community. Personally I'd rather discover on my own that a letterbox has a handmade log book than to be told about it before I even go looking.

I appreciate that someone took their time to try and help others with different ideas about finding letterboxes. However, perhaps we could leave it up to individual placers as to whether or not their boxes are entered into this database. In my view only the placer of a letterbox should be entering boxes into this database.

Thanks for considering,
-Oliver



---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Oliver Oxenfree
wrote:
However, perhaps we could leave it up to individual placers as to
whether or not their boxes are entered into this database. In my view
only the placer of a letterbox should be entering boxes into this
database.

......................................................................
NOW HERE IS A GOOD IDEA!!!

Thanks for speaking up about this - I think it should really be up to
the placer to keep tabs on their boxes or designate a person in the
nearby area that is allowed to post on them. The current database
arrangement allows for ANYONE & EVERYONE to know and to edit/delete.
Perhaps there is another option on the list so that only the placer
can edit.

In Wes's multitude of "TO BE DONE" items on the web page, this might
be something that can be incorporated. Perhaps it's just up to the
"placer" to post their boxes and the "finders" to contact said
"placer" with update and then the "placer" will update (if they wish)
on the database.

Just another dimension to add to the complexity! I've got to agree
that so far it's only myself for Maine that has posted about MY boxes
(I think) it's somewhat time consuming even to find my boxes, have to
re-select the view to alphabetize by ME and then scroll down.

Personally I probably won't use it all that much, I would prefer to
have people contact me directly.
-phyto

The problem is that not everyone is diligent about updating the
status of their boxes. This database is a way to let "finders"
(or non-finders) give status of boxes independent of the placer.
That way, future finders can make a more informed decision whether
to go after a box or not. I agree comments should be limited to
status only to not spoil it for others.

Silver Eagle

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Phyto (ME)"
wrote:
> --- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Oliver Oxenfree
> wrote:
> However, perhaps we could leave it up to individual placers as to
> whether or not their boxes are entered into this database. In my
view
> only the placer of a letterbox should be entering boxes into this
> database.
>
> ....................................................................
..
> NOW HERE IS A GOOD IDEA!!!
>
> Thanks for speaking up about this - I think it should really be up
to
> the placer to keep tabs on their boxes or designate a person in the
> nearby area that is allowed to post on them. The current database
> arrangement allows for ANYONE & EVERYONE to know and to edit/delete.
> Perhaps there is another option on the list so that only the placer
> can edit.
>
> In Wes's multitude of "TO BE DONE" items on the web page, this might
> be something that can be incorporated. Perhaps it's just up to the
> "placer" to post their boxes and the "finders" to contact said
> "placer" with update and then the "placer" will update (if they
wish)
> on the database.
>
> Just another dimension to add to the complexity! I've got to agree
> that so far it's only myself for Maine that has posted about MY
boxes
> (I think) it's somewhat time consuming even to find my boxes, have
to
> re-select the view to alphabetize by ME and then scroll down.
>
> Personally I probably won't use it all that much, I would prefer to
> have people contact me directly.
> -phyto

Being new here I probably shouldn't post. (All you "oldies" are
probably saying RIGHT!) But, isn't this just another thing you are
going to have to tell the newbies about? Purple iris



>
> In Wes's multitude of "TO BE DONE" items on the web page, this might
> be something that can be incorporated. Perhaps it's just up to the
> "placer" to post their boxes and the "finders" to contact said
> "placer" with update and then the "placer" will update (if they
wish)
> on the database.

This database is a way to let "finders"
(or non-finders) give status of boxes independent of the placer.

How could a non-finder possibly note the status of a box ?

Brian
TeamGreenDragon

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "sileagle1"
wrote:
> The problem is that not everyone is diligent about updating the
> status of their boxes.

The fact that not all box placers would update the status of their
boxes, is not really a "problem." Some want the status to remain an
unknown in the overall quest for the box. That should be their
prerogative.

> This database is a way to let "finders"
> (or non-finders)

???

> give status of boxes independent of the placer.
> That way, future finders can make a more informed decision whether
> to go after a box or not.

One thing I have already noticed with the database is that when a
seeker does not find a box, they list the status as "missing." That
is very misleading and in many cases, downright inaccurate. Just
because a particular person was not able to find a box does not mean
it is missing, no matter how sure they were that they were in the
right spot.

With the status being stated as "missing" there is a high probability
that future seekers would avoid looking for this box, even though it
may actually be safe and sound, awaiting visitors.

> I agree comments should be limited to
> status only to not spoil it for others.

Seems to me, just the reporting of an incorrect status could easily
spoil it for others.

SpringChick

Actually, I don't think Wes needs to do anything here. For example, on
the page for my Batcave box, which is currently missing, I have added a
line to alert potential finders that the box isn't there at present and
that I will post again when I have replaced it and rewritten the clues.
So, the option for box placers to include information on the status of
boxes they know to be missing is already in place.

This isn't the same function as the letterbox database, but might be
useful in its own right.

Just a thought...

Webfoot


Phyto wrote:

> In Wes's multitude of "TO BE DONE" items on the web page, this might
> be something that can be incorporated. Perhaps it's just up to the
> "placer" to post their boxes and the "finders" to contact said
> "placer" with update and then the "placer" will update (if they wish)
> on the database.
>

LOL!! Like the teacher saying, "If you're not here, raise your hand." Shirley, you are jesting. :-) I can just see your wry smile.

"Non-finders" reporting on the status of a box means they can report the fact that they can't find the box, which is, indeed its status because AFATK, it's MISSING!

On an unrelated note, it was very nice to meet Brian and Lori in Maine, but who and where was Ryan? Hey, wait a minute. Was I supposed to ask this when I met you? :::DOH!:::

Mary (RI)
----- Original Message -----
From: Brian, Ryan & Lori
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2003 10:42 AM
Subject: [LbNA] Re: Database questions


This database is a way to let "finders"
(or non-finders) give status of boxes independent of the placer.

How could a non-finder possibly note the status of a box ?

Brian
TeamGreenDragon


Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT





Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.500 / Virus Database: 298 - Release Date: 7/10/03

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I think the database has merits, and some folks will find it
immensely helpful. However, I think it all depends on the person,
their region, and the mystery surrounding the box.

This is why I LOVE LOVE LOVE Wes' new improvements to the website!!!
*happy dance for Wes* We now have the ability to EDIT our boxes
easily. So ... when someone visits one of my boxes and lets me know,
I update my clues to say "alive and well as of 8/5/03" or some such
reference.

Simple and easy and it doesn't give away anything. Anyone looking at
my clues can see whether its been visited recently or not. Now
granted, I only have 7 plants, but still ...

So - just tossing that out there as an alternative. If you find one
of your boxes listed on the database, and you don't want it there ...
just delete the entry.

Autumn

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Oliver Oxenfree


However, perhaps we could leave it up to individual placers as to
whether or not their boxes are entered into this database. In my view
only the placer of a letterbox should be entering boxes into this
database.
>
> Thanks for considering,
> -Oliver